Here's the press release from the Timothy Murphy campaign:

Murphy officially files for U.S. House seat

Rutherfordton resident Timothy Murphy has officially filed for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District.

Rutherfordton, North Carolina – [February 17, 2012] - Timothy Murphy, of Rutherfordton, has officially declared his candidacy for United States House of Representatives in the 10th Congressional District. Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, filed for the seat at the Rutherford County Board of Elections on Friday.

Said Mr. Murphy, “For too long, we have lacked adequate representation. For too long, our current Representative, Patrick McHenry has exploited so-called ‘wedge issues’ and legitimate concerns of the hard-working people of this district to convince them to vote against their own best interests. His opposition to the Affordable Care Act (which will expand Medicaid or subsidized medical insurance coverage to an estimated 21% of non-elderly adults in the 10th) and Federal Poverty Assistance Programs shows his lack of commitment to the needs of his constituents. His support of the ‘Ryan Budget’, with its goals of ending Social Security and turning Medicare into a voucher system, is a slap in the face to people who have worked and paid into Social Security their whole lives. His publicly-stated opinion that people under 55 have time to “make other plans” should Social Security end is callous and misguided. As the representative of a district in which almost 20% of adults live in poverty, he should know better.

I am not a politician. I have never sought public office, but if this is the best that a ‘politician’ can do, then we don’t need one representing us. We need someone who is one of us. Someone who understands us. Someone who faces the same issues that we face. We need a real representative. Seeing no one that fit that description stepping up to the plate, I felt compelled to. That is why I have chosen to run, and I hope the people of the newly-drawn 10th District will join me in my quest to take back the ‘People’s House’ for the people.”

Mr. Murphy is an independent contractor and former teacher and business owner. He resides with his wife and stepsons in Rutherfordton, NC. This is his first foray into politics.

Mr. Murphy's Campaign Website: www.timothymurphyforcongress.com